Question

I have an 11-year-old gelding that has been diagnosed with colonic ulcers. I have read research that suggests a gluten-free diet may be beneficial to these horses. I haven't been able to identify a prepared feed that's gluten-free. I am looking for feed options that will provide for his dietary needs. Can you make any recommendations for feed or supplements?

Answer

Unfortunately, as you have probably found, the only commercial horse feeds that do not contain wheat or barley are hay pellets. Micro-Max is a vitamin and mineral supplement that is based in a hay pellet and does not contain any wheat.

For horse owners looking for wheat-free diets, the best option is to make their own feed by combining a vitamin and mineral supplement like Micro-Max with other sources of calories such as rice bran, beet pulp, and/or alfalfa pellets. For horse owners in Australia and New Zealand, Gold Pellet is an appropriate supplement.

We have a product called EquiShure that would be of interest to you. This product has been found to be useful in promoting a healthy environment in the hindgut, which allows for healing of colonic ulcers.